On the back of yet another superb bowling performance, New Zealand held their nerves to successfully defend a total of 281 to wrap up the Chappell Hadlee Trophy 2-0. In both the games, it was their bowling which did the trick as the Australian batsmen were found wanting against the discipline of the hosts’ bowlers. The absence of high profile names like David Warner and Steven Smith was dearly felt by the Kangaroos.
An interesting episode which occurred during the run-chase at Hamilton was Australian skipper Aaron Finch’s dual with his Blackcaps counterpart Kane Williamson. At 119-2 in 20.5 overs, Australia were well set in the chase with Finch having crossed his half century. However, on the very next delivery, he ended up playing a rash shot on the part time spin of Williamson to gift his wicket away.
Post Australia’s loss, Finch opened up about that moment, which ultimately was a match turning event.
“My plan was to go really hard at Kane,” Finch said. “To put them under pressure and make them go back to another bowling option. Nine times out of 10 it comes off and today it didn’t – in my mind it was the right plan, I’m still a hundred per cent sure. “That’s the way I’ve always played part-time off-spin. I’d do it again – just wouldn’t hit it off the toe of the bat next time.”
Williamson admitted when he came on to bowl against Finch, he already had a plan in his mind.
“I know Finchy pretty well and he tries to whack every off-spinner in the world. I didn’t assume it would be any different when I came on to bowl. “It was a bit of a gamble really – trying to get him to hit to that long side – he obviously got me away a few times and I was hoping that he might hit one up in the air, try and get him out. “It was nice to be able to do that – he probably got himself out rather than me doing anything special.”
Williamson also heaped praise on all-rounder Mitchell Santner, for yet another sparkling all round performance.
“He’s a world-class bowler they way he controls his length and changes his pace.”I thought he did a terrific job again. He’s been someone who’s been world-class every game for is in the last week while, in the short format,” Williamson concluded.